New York, July 18, 2026: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has praised Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as one of the world’s best players but vowed that his side will do everything possible to contain the winger in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final.
The much-anticipated final has been billed as a clash between two footballing generations, with Messi seeking another World Cup triumph against a Spain side inspired by the 19-year-old Barcelona star.
Speaking at the FIFA Fanatics Fest, where he appeared alongside Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, NBA star Kevin Durant and NFL great Tom Brady, Messi lauded Yamal’s remarkable rise.
“Lamine is a truly great player, whom I’ve followed very closely because he plays for a club I love and for which I always wish the best,” Messi said.
“At just 19, he’s already one of the world’s leading players. He has his whole career ahead of him and the chance to achieve something historic. We’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen this time.”
Messi also reflected on the widely shared photograph taken nearly two decades ago showing him holding Yamal as a baby during a Barcelona charity photoshoot.
“That photo is crazy. Life…” he said.
“I had my photo taken with him when he was a baby and now we’re set to face each other in a World Cup final.”
Describing Yamal as one of the world’s finest players, Messi wished him success in the future but admitted Argentina would be focused on stopping him in the title decider.
“He’s one of the best in the world right now and I wish him the very best because if he does well, so will Barcelona. That said, we’ll try to put in a good performance so he doesn’t play at his best, although that’s difficult,” he added.
Despite his praise for the Spanish winger, Messi emphasized that Argentina’s preparations would not revolve around a single player.
“It’s not just Lamine. Spain have some brilliant players and play great football. We’ve got our own weapons too,” he said.
